Professor Dr. Alaa Azouzthe Chairman of the Board of Directors of (CARDNE)Professor Dr. Alaa Azouz, Head of the Agricultural Extension Sector at the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation in Egypt, is one of the leading experts in food security, agricultural extension, and sustainable development. With extensive experience in leadership and management, he has held several prestigious positions, including Vice President of the Agricultural Research Center and Director and Deputy Director of the Food Technology Research Institute. He has also served as a national coordinator for several major agricultural projects in collaboration with international organizations to enhance productivity, improve food security, and reduce post-harvest losses. Dr. Alaa Azouz also serves as the General Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Developing Egyptian Rural Villages, “Decent Life,” under the Ministry of Agriculture. He leads efforts to develop agricultural infrastructure and improve the quality of life for rural residents. His work focuses on modernizing irrigation systems and adopting advanced technologies to increase water and agricultural resource efficiency, thereby promoting agricultural sustainability and rural development. Regionally, Dr. Alaa chaired the Near East Forestry and Range Commission of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), where he contributes to formulating regional policies for protecting forests and rangelands and preserving biodiversity. He also plays a leading role in addressing environmental challenges and climate change by encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and reducing negative environmental impacts. He consistently advocates for conserving natural resources and implementing agricultural policies that support sustainability, ensuring a balance between meeting present needs and safeguarding the future for coming generations.
Raeda Mohammed AyoubVice Chairman of the BoardPersonal Information: Raeda Mohammed Ayoub is a Syrian Arab national holding a PhD in Community Rural Development. She is married and can be reached via email at dr.raeda.ayoub@gmail.com or by phone at 0933534456. Her residence is in Damascus on Al-Rawda Street, near the School Books Warehouse.
Work Experience: Raeda has extensive experience in the field of rural development. Since 2021, she has been serving as the Director of Rural Development. Prior to that, she was the Director of the Rural Women Development Directorate from 2006 to 2021. Her career in this field began in 1995, with positions including Head of the Rural Home Economics Department and Head of the Rural Women Development Unit.
Consultations: Throughout her career, Raeda has provided consultations for significant organizations, including the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and UNICEF. Her work has focused on the impact of small projects on economic development, as well as addressing gender issues in rural contexts.
Research and Studies: Raeda has authored numerous studies and guides addressing various aspects of rural development and women’s issues. Notable works include the “Syrian Rural Product Marketing Guide” and research on domestic violence against women in rural areas, both published in 2021.
Field Projects: She has managed various field projects aimed at empowering women and addressing rural poverty. These projects include the economic empowerment of rural women, which is ongoing since 2019, and the National Program for Family Agriculture launched in 2017.
Conferences Participation: Raeda has actively participated in numerous national and international conferences related to agriculture and rural development, contributing to discussions on women’s roles and poverty alleviation strategies. Key conferences include the Forum for Agricultural Sector Development in Syria (2021) and the Women in Business Forum (2010).
Awards: In recognition of her work, Raeda received the Research Grant in Social Sciences from the Arab Women Organization for her research on the social feasibility of micro-projects targeting rural women from 2000 to 2005.
Dr. Fatima RahmaBoard MemberDr. Fatima Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed Rahma
Dr. Fatima Rahma is a highly experienced professional in the field of agricultural engineering and international relations. Born on April 4, 1967, in Sudan, she is single and currently resides in Sudan. She holds Sudanese nationality and is fluent in Arabic (mother tongue) and English (very good).Education:
Dr. Rahma earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agricultural Engineering in 2018 from Khartoum State, Omdurman. Her thesis focused on the role of Sudanese specialized banks in developing agricultural engineering technology in the Rahad Scheme.Current Position:
Dr. Rahma serves as the Director General (DG) of the International Relations General Directorate at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forests in Sudan. In this role, she supervises and monitors four key administrations: Bilateral Cooperation, International and Regional Organizations, Foreign Funded Projects, and Agricultural Trade Affairs.Professional Experience and Skills:
With extensive experience in international relations and agricultural development, Dr. Rahma has developed a wide range of skills, including:- Negotiation, drafting, and reviewing agreements, contracts, protocols, and MOUs.
- Supervising bilateral and multilateral relations in the agricultural sector.
- Promoting and implementing agricultural investments and partnerships.
- Organizing conferences, workshops, seminars, and training programs (both virtually and physically).
- Conducting planning, research, and technical reporting.
- Knowledge management and sharing.
- Building relationships and partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and effective communication in multinational environments.
- Professional capacity building, coaching, and gender and socio-economic analysis.
- Expertise in value chain analysis, rural business development, and agricultural marketing.
Eng. Louis LahoudBoard MemberEng. Louis Lahoud Lahoud
Eng. Louis Lahoud Lahoud is the General Director of the Ministry of Agriculture in Lebanon. Born on September 8, 1977, in Zahle, Lebanon, he holds Lebanese nationality and is a Christian (Roum Catholique). He is single and resides in Zahle, St. Antonios Street, Louis Lahoud Building, 1st floor.Education:
Eng. Lahoud holds a Master’s degree in Diplomacy, Negotiation Strategy, and International Relations from Sagesse University and Paris XI University (2008). He also earned a Diploma in Agricultural Engineering from St. Joseph University (2000) and completed his Lebanese Baccalaureate in Life Sciences at College Saints Coeurs – El Rasye, Zahle (1995). His academic achievements include two theses: one on agricultural policy for Lebanon (rated 16/20) and another on strategies for improving the agricultural sector (also rated 16/20).Professional Experience:
Eng. Lahoud has extensive experience in agricultural policy and development. He currently serves as the General Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, a role he has held since 2003, with a brief interruption. He has also worked as an adviser to the Minister of Industry on agricultural processing (2003) and as a lecturer at Antonine University and the Lebanese University, teaching courses on epidemiology, agricultural strategy, and risk management.Conferences and Courses:
Eng. Lahoud has participated in numerous international conferences and meetings, including sessions with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD), and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). He has represented Lebanon in discussions on agricultural development, trade, and environmental sustainability in countries such as Italy, France, Qatar, and Brazil.Skills and Achievements:
Eng. Lahoud is fluent in Arabic, French, and English and has strong computer skills in Word, Excel, and Access. He completed his military service as an officer (2001-2002) and holds a practicing permit as an Agricultural Engineer since 2000. His performance as General Director of Agriculture was evaluated as excellent, with a score of 85/100. A judicial decision by the State Council in 2007 invalidated a decree that had placed him at the disposal of the Prime Minister, reaffirming his position.
Khadija Al-KhayratBoard Member
Munir Ali KrediBoard MemberMunir Ali Kredi is the Director General of the Agricultural Guidance and Training Department at the Ministry of Agriculture. He specializes in agricultural extension and sustainable development, with a strong focus on improving rural communities and agricultural practices. Through his work, he maintains effective communication with farmers, peasants, rural organizations, and agricultural associations across all provinces of Iraq. His efforts aim to build a brighter future for rural societies by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and empowering local communities.
Kredi is actively involved in organizing and participating in various agricultural programs, exhibitions, and events, which contribute to the advancement of the agricultural sector. His work not only supports farmers but also strengthens the connection between the Ministry of Agriculture and rural populations, ensuring that their needs and challenges are addressed effectively.
He is also a member of several central committees responsible for shaping and defining the strategies and policies of the Ministry of Agriculture. His leadership and expertise play a vital role in driving agricultural development and sustainability at both national and regional levels.
Mohammed Issa Al-HayariBoard Member
